PARTY-GOERS are being urged to celebrate in safety this Christmas as part of a new campaign.Suffolk Police have launched 'StaySafe' to remind pub, club and party-goers to enjoy themselves responsibly.

PARTY-GOERS are being urged to celebrate in safety this Christmas as part of a new campaign.

Suffolk Police have launched 'StaySafe' to remind pub, club and party-goers to enjoy themselves responsibly.

The campaign will run in the weeks leading up to Christmas and the New Year.

Police are urging people not to drink and drive, report domestic violence and stick together on nights out.

They will also increase patrols in Ipswich, Bury St Edmunds and Lowestoft, as well as issuing advice through Bluetooth signals and leaflets.

Crime Reduction Inspector Chris Gilmore said: 'We want everyone to enjoy a safe, fun night out in our towns this Christmas.

'The festive period sees a huge increase in people going out and drinking alcohol.

'Most simply want to have a good time but there's always a minority looking for trouble.

'My message to those people is if you cause trouble you will be robustly dealt with.'

The StaySafe project is run annually by Suffolk Police to cut down on alcohol-fuelled incidents.

In December 2008 there were 578 arrests made in Suffolk for alcohol-related offences, compared to 606 in December 2007.

Insp Gilmore added: 'We want to reassure people - we don't want to put them off from going out.

'Our officers will aim to stop trouble before it starts by issuing �80 penalty notices to offenders or arresting them.

'And spending a night in the cells is not the best place to be over Christmas.'

As part of the StaySafe campaign police have issued the following advice:

1.Always let someone know where you are going and when you'll be back

2.Stick to busy well-lit streets and avoid deserted parks and alleys.

3.If you are threatened try to head to a public place like a pub or garage.

4.If a car pulls up alongside you, turn and walk in the other direction.

5.Try to keep both hands free - don't walk with your hands in your pockets.

6.Walk facing on coming traffic so a car can't pull up behind you.

7.By wary when using a mobile phone - you won't be able to hear trouble coming.

8.If you are being followed, stay calm, try to see who is behind you and keep moving.

9.Consider carrying a personal safety alarm.